Is CBD Right for Me?
I LOVE CBD - I use it in so many ways personally! It helps beautify my skin and supports with overall wellbeing which always makes me feel better day to day. I want this feeling for YOU, which is why I lean in on CBD skincare products professionally through treatments and recommendations.
CBD helps people to feel more relaxed, which allows them to rest and restore more deeply during their session. It also can help reduce skin issues like premature aging, sensitivity and acne by soothing inflammation caused by chronic stress which can manifest as tension and tightness in the muscles and skin issues.
Let me share more about the healing properties of CBD and inspire you to love it just as much as I do!
About the Endocannabinoid System:
Every mammal has an endocannabinoid system (ECS). You can think of it as part of our body’s regulation support. This system is affected by internal and external factors, it regulates inflammation, balances homeostasis, and has a hand in protective mechanisms against cancers, diseases, and nerve damage. Additionally, the ECS also balances and protects our central nervous system and immune system responses. When activated properly, this system initiates pain control and calms inflammation. The ECS is critical to the life cycle of skin, fighting against imbalances, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, and internal/external inflammation.
CBD:
CBD is a non-psychoactive part of the hemp plant and has incredible benefits for the body when activated in our endocannabinoid system. The ECS includes two primary types of receptors that bind to cannabinoids (CBD): CB1 and CB2. Unlike THC, which fits directly into the CB1 receptor, CBD does not fit into either type of receptor perfectly. Instead, it stimulates activity in both receptors without actually binding to them which allows impact and changes to cells containing either receptor. And since CB1 and CB2 receptors are present throughout the body, the effects of CBD are systemic.
When CBD is inhaled, ingested, or applied topically, the CB2 receptors communicate with our bodies and allow the CBD to work through the healing pathways. Since CB2 receptors are naturally occurring in the skin, using topical CBD products ignites the body's natural healing process and encourages healing from the beginning of your service.
CBD skincare is most famous for its anti-inflammatory properties.
The root of many skin conditions are inflammation-based. CBD supports the skin’s healing process and keeps inflammation at bay. In addition to regulating skin cell proliferation, it is highly antioxidant and antibacterial which is beneficial for breakouts, pigment, and encourages vibrant aging.
CBD is skin supportive with these properties:
- Anti-inflammatory - all skin conditions are a manifestation of inflammation
- Maintenance of skin homeostasis - barrier formation and regeneration
- Vasodilator - naturally increases circulation
- Antioxidant - protects the skin from free radicals, more powerful than vitamins A,C, E, or omega three fatty acids
- Antibacterial - promotes antibacterial peptides
I truly believe in the power of working WITH our bodies natural ability to heal itself.
CBD is an incredible supplement to support our wellbeing. We can even give it to our pets - my pup, Wiley, loves his CBD treats! I highly encourage everyone to try it for themselves and don’t worry! I’m here to support in your skin healing + wellbeing along the way.
P.S. Organic CBD is best for our skin and body. We use local CBD company Ambary Gardens.
1/25/2025
Ashley Johnson is our esthetics team lead here at Tallgrass. If you any skincare questions, you can reach her directly at ashjohnson.tg@gmail.com
Should I Be Using a Retinol?
It seems like every where we turn someone’s talking about retinol and the wonders it works for the last few years. Clients come in regularly either loving it or trying it and it not working for them due to the irritation it can cause in some individuals. Here are a few of my insights into the world of retinol and which may help you decide whether you want to add this into your routine.
Why should I use retinol? What is it doing?
When applied to the skin retinol converts into retinoic acid and increases skin cell turnover, very important since this slows from every 21-28 days in our 20’s to 90+ days as we reach 40+. This helps with unclogging pores, uneven skin tone and dullness. With regular and consistent use, skin can feel firmer, brighter and more hydrated. Since there’s an increase in skin cell turnover and it supports collagen production, you’ll usually also notice a decrease in fine lines and the depths of wrinkles.
Who shouldn’t use retinol?
If you are not able to commit to being consistent, I wouldn’t recommend starting the use of a retinol. The effects are cumulative and best when used with a consistent routine. Washing your face before bed is crucial for maintaining hydration, especially in our climate. It’s best used in the evenings because it does increase photosensitivity, so SPF during the day is a must. Winter is a great time to start since the sun isn’t quite as strong here.
If you are experiencing dry, flaky, red skin it could be that your skin barrier is impaired and that is not a great time to start using retinol. Once you’re able to get that under control, which you can! Then you can introduce something more active.
Whats the difference between RX and over the counter?
Tretinoin is the prescription version of retinol. Many use it for reducing acne lesions, fine lines and wrinkles, and or reducing the effects of sun damage. Some report that it causes redness, irritation, and dryness. This can happen at the start of using any retinol product but may be more pronounced with tretinoin.
Expect that you may experience some side effects when you first start using a retinol, even one that is over the counter. Retinol that can be purchased without a prescription is gentler and can be more tolerable for beginners. Start low and slow, 2-3 times per week then slowly increase as your skin becomes more used to it. You can also use the “sandwich” method, apply moisturizer then apply retinol, then add another layer of moisturizer. Retinol is an amazing ingredient and with the right routine it can help support in keeping your skin bright and luminous. If you have any additional questions please reach out to me or chat with any of us at your next facial!
12/1/2025
Ashley Johnson is our esthetics team lead here at Tallgrass. If you any skincare questions, you can reach her directly at ashjohnson.tg@gmail.com
LED Light Therapy-is it worth the hype?
When it comes to devices, it’s hard to decipher whether or not these things actually do anything or if it’s a waste of time and money. Let me tell you, LED therapy is incredible. The difference it can make in acne, wrinkle depth, and inflammation based skin conditions are noticeable and marked. Keep reading to learn more about how this technology is keeping our skin glowing and bright.
What is LED Light Therapy?
Light Emiting Diode or low level light therapy is a modality that uses specific wavelengths of light energy for therapeutic benefit like reducing acne lesions and lessening fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin uses the absorbed light energy which enhances cellular performance. Most are red and blue light devices, if you have a light that also includes infrared you can support with product penetration or pain like a sprained ankle or wrist during treatment. It is completely non invasive and requires no downtime.
How it works:
LED’s use specific wavelengths of light that trigger a biostimulatory effect in the human tissue. Similar to the way that plants use chlorophyll to convert sunlight into energy. Research shows that cells absorb particles of light and transform their energy into adenosine triphosphate or ATP, which is the form of energy that our cells mitochondria utilize to function. This added energy enhances cell performance. Which means that our cells have extra energy to work on repair and healing in the skin. This can fall to the last priority when we do not have enough cell energy.
Blue light penetrates through the epidermal layer, diminishes acne bacteria, clears existing breakouts.
Red light penetrates through the dermal layer to stimulate collagen production, improves skins firmness and integrity.
Infrared light penetrates through the muscle tissue to reduce pain and inflammation in the muscles and joints, good for arthritis.
What to look for in a brand:
Clinically researched, linked, peer-reviewed and published papers. Some of my favorites are Celluma, Omnilux, and Bon Charge. I like the full face masks for at home use because you can multitask. As much as I love the panels, I notice they aren’t used at as high of a frequency due to having to lie down underneath for 20+ minutes.
What benefits will I notice, overall?
Reduction of inflammatory acne lesions with the presence bacteria. Reduced fine lines and wrinkle depth over time but immediate glow and radiance to the skin, which makes this great as an add on to a facial treatment.
What skin conditions does this help and how/why, what colors are best?
Aging: red light stimulates fibroblast cells which make collagen and elastin, increased blood flow which will bring nutrients to the cells, increased mitosis or replacement of old cells.
Acne: blue light kill the bacteria that causes breakouts, best for inflammatory, moderate acne not only congestion type breakouts like blackheads or whiteheads. Reduces redness, and there’s an overall reduction in acne lesions.
This therapy can provide an alternative to harsh ingredients and invasive therapies. Benefits are cumulative, best results can be seen after 2-3 weekly treatments for a series of 4-8 weeks depending on the severity of the condition.
Contraindications:
Epilepsy, claustrophobia, extreme sensitivity to bright light.
How do I use this in my skincare routine?
Apply the light over thoroughly cleansed and ideally, exfoliated, dry, skin. Let the light work its magic then remove and follow with a gentle and hydrating moisturizer. Because the light is very stimulating there is no need to overwhelm our skin with additional actives, keep it simple and wake up glowing!
11/1/2025
Ashley Johnson is our esthetics team lead here at Tallgrass. If you any skincare questions, you can reach her directly at ashjohnson.tg@gmail.com
How Peels Support Glowing Skin!
I’m noticing as we settle into cooler weather in the mountains my skin is losing its luster. I feel dry and congested. Whenever that happens, I know it’s time for a reset. With the sun shining a little less brightly we can give our skin the proper reset it deserves. Here are a few great ways peels can support your skin goals:
#1
even texture and tone
As glorious as the Colorado sun is, I notice it has beat down on our skin this summer. Even with a hat and SPF, it finds a way to sneak its way in there. This can lead to dryness (also, hello season change!), increased discoloration from our skin doing its best to protect us from the heat and sun, and strange bumps that tend to linger. You can think of a peel as hitting the accelerator on your skin cell turn over cycle. Instead of cruising along at its, usually slower than we’d like, pace, it revs up. This reveals newer, smoother, better functioning skin cells. This results in smoother texture, fewer bumps or breakouts, and a brighter appearance.
#2
increase hydration levels
With that new fresh skin now sitting atop we experience less dryness. Those lingering dead skin cells have been gently sloughed off and our new layer is super supple. This reduces the feeling of dry skin that is so common for us here at higher elevation. Because the rough layer has been removed, all of our hydrating products can penetrate into our skin more deeply. This is why regular exfoliation is so important. Without it, it feels like our products “are sitting on top” of our skin instead of actually relieving us of excess dryness. With increased hydration levels we’ll also experience less sensitivity. When our skin is hydrated, product penetration happens gently, gradually and our skin holds onto it happily versus getting sucked down into the quenched deeper layers, leaving our top layer feeling dry and our skin irritated. Hydration also means our tolerance for actives, like vitamin C or retinol, are higher and they can work more effectively instead of causing more harm than good.
#3
the magic number three
Three to me feels like the perfect number for a lot of things, peels included. While getting one peel will give you a good result, if you want to see a true change in the appearance of pore size, evenness in skin tone, radiance, and long term texture changes you’ll want to get a series of three. We recommend 3 peels in 30 days, it’s a great way to give your skin a proper reset and see visible results. Our TallGrass signature peel series ends with a luxurious, radiant glow facial treatment. This is one of my favorites because it’s brightening, hydrating, and includes a super yummy facial massage.
If you have any questions on whether a peel is right for you please feel free to reach out to me directly at ashjohnson.tg@gmail.com, I’d love to connect! Happy October!
10/1/2025
Ashley Johnson is our esthetics team lead here at Tallgrass. If you any skincare questions, you can reach her directly at ashjohnson.tg@gmail.com
Shhh…let me zen out a little more…
I cannot express how much our guests love the highly popular Gua sha massage technique during their facial treatments. It’s an opportunity to experience a technically advanced massage modality that allows for skin recovery and healing while enhancing the effectiveness of their facial results. While most of us think of facial massage as a relaxing “nice to have” I’m here to tell you that the results are more than skin deep.
Gua sha is an effective facial massage modality that directly affects the connective tissue and muscles to help untangle and iron out the fascia that is bound with tension and traps accumulated wastes from the stressors of daily life. Facial massage helps unbind our tissues, restores mobility and creates space for the optimal flow of blood, oxygen, lymph and…
● Renews the facial contour, supports lifting and toning the skin
● Reduces inflammation and puffiness that accumulate in our facial tissues
● Brightens the complexion and creates a radiant glow
● Diminishes blemishes and stimulates cell activity
● Relieves tension and reduces pain
● Regenerates facial tissue and restores vitality
Facial massage helps achieve firmer, brighter, and more even skin. There’s an absolute glow to the skin from all of the nutrient rich blood pulsating through the body after a treatment. Guests literally say “WOW” when they get up from the table - it is that good. By igniting the natural healing power of the body, we can allow our skin to flourish. Book our Gua Sha Facial and feel the power of massage for your skin and spirit.
9/1/2025
Ashley Johnson is our esthetics team lead here at Tallgrass. If you any skincare questions, you can reach her directly at ashjohnson.tg@gmail.com
Summer Skin Recovery
Ahhhh the dog days of summer, warm nights, hot days, travel, swimming, biking, hiking, live music, it's one of my favorite times of the year. And while I love all of the activity of summer I notice in my clients and myself that we could use some recovery.
While we have had some extra rain this year, the constant back and forth of dryness, humidity, sun, wind, and consistent sweating can take a toll on our skin. Here are my favorite tips on how to keep our skin healthy and glowing all season long.
#1
It’s summer; less is more with skincare
One of the best things we can do to support our skin this summer is, less. With near constant sun exposure now is the time to allow your skincare routine to be simplified. Save your stronger exfoliating treatments for the cooler months. Enzymes and clay based masques are my favorite go-tos for gently increasing cell turnover to reduce dryness or lessen congestion without making our skin more photosensitive.
#2
Proper hydration is key
Add a hydrating masque into your routine once a week to support your skin in maintaining better hydration. Masques are one of the best ways to amp up your skincare. Ten minutes later and the results are all of the encouragement you’ll need to set the time aside. I like to put one on in the evenings while I’m winding down. If this seems like too long, something like our Eminence Kombucha Leave-On Masque is a two in one. Apply it like a moisturizer as your last step and wake up refreshed!
#3
Cool downs are essential
With a lot of heat can come inflammation and irritation of the skin. Whether that be in the form of acne breakouts, skin rashes or sunburn, we all likely experience some form of overheating. A cool jade roller stored in the fridge is a favorite after being outside all day. Two minutes of cool compresses or jade rolling can significantly reduce the inflammation caused by breakouts, soothe sunburn, and even help to reduce pigment activity for those prone to melasma.
These little tweaks in your routine can make a big difference in optimizing the health of your skin in our beautiful but sometimes harsh climate. If you’d like some extra support with your skincare and or downtime from the busyness of summer activity come see one of our amazing estheticians. Seasonal facials, like our Very Berry Antioxidant treatment, are a great way to give yourself and your skin a reset. And last but not least don’t forget your SPF!
Ashley Johnson is our esthetics team lead here at Tallgrass. If you any skincare questions, you can reach her directly at ashjohnson.tg@gmail.com
